79 Word Stories

So a new formal challenge emerges. Tipped off by Duotrope, I stumbled on this interesting competition sponsored by the Aspen Writers Foundatino and Esquire magazine: A short short story of exactly 79 words, judged 25% plot, 25% characterization, 25% theme and 25% originality. Why not, right? I mean many of us compose 100-word stories (rarely EXACTLY 100, but) for Madison Woods “Friday Fictioneers” photo-prompts…so why not give 79 a shot, eh? So as a little side project over the next month or so I’ll be delivering various aborted attempts…I’d love feedback, but they’ll probably keep appearing anyway! Thanks all.

1. A 79-word story in 78 words

I slipped there, on my way out. I cried.

Someone held me, shaping me thus. That’s what I heard, but never quite believed. So they told me other things, and showed me pictures. It began to sound like music, that I’d made. I played. And continued to study. Soon it was all words and experience and me stumbling away. Or sailing back, on rough waters with a rowdy entourage, and fear. And love. In either direction, I’m here.